Hallowicked, Pt. II

Mission details:

Yushin crouched atop the slanted roof of an old farmhouse, wearing his usual outfit and his tardemark fedora hat. The Land of Hotsprings was a very quiet place, something Yushin loved. Tonight's mission was an unusual one... not espionage, sabotage, or theft—but once again helping the people of Ygakure no Sato. The parchment he'd received still felt like a big joke. Farmers had reached out to anyone willing to assist with the harvest, even some nasty criminals, like Yushin himself. A trivial task for most, but Yushin’s client had insisted on his involvement, promising that completing this mundane mission would repay a significant favor... and ryo, of course. With the harvest season drawing to a close, it seemed even shadows needed to pitch in and lend a hand.

He sighed. Missing ninja or not, the mission was the mission.
Yushin dropped silently into the fields where a group of farmers worked tirelessly under the flickering lantern light. They didn’t notice his approach until he deliberately cleared his throat. An elderly farmer, hunched from years of labor, turned toward him, his weathered face breaking into a relieved smile.

“You must be the aid we requested! A bit late, but we’re glad to have ya!” the old man said, offering his hand.
Yushin stared at the outstretched hand for a moment before taking it briefly. “I’m here for the crops. What do you need?”
The farmer pointed to rows of golden stalks swaying in the gentle breeze. “Harvest the wheat there first. We’ll need those bundles ready for sale by dawn. After that, help Maru over by the orchard; she’s inspecting the apples for any bruising. Finally, Ishiro is at the market stall in the village—he’s got his hands full.”

Yushin nodded. Simple tasks indeed, but helping people was something unfamiliar to Yushin. Without another word, he moved toward the wheat fields. Yushin’s hands moved deftly, slicing through the stalks with his Chakra Scalpels and bundling them at an astonishing speed. The other workers paused, watching in awe as he worked in silence, his movements fluid and precise. In less than half the time they’d expected, the field was harvested, and Yushin hauled the bundles to the barn.

Maru, a redhead woman with sharp eyes, greeted him at the orchard. “Quick hands, eh? Let’s see if they’re as sharp with apples.”
She handed him a basket and began showing him how to inspect each fruit. Bruised? Toss it. Perfect? Pack it. Yushin caught on quickly and soon matched Maru’s pace. The air was cool under the trees, and the rustling leaves brought a rare moment of tranquility.


“You’re not much of a talker, are ya?” Maru asked.

Yushin glanced at her and gave a rare smirk. “Not when there’s work to do... and there is always work to be done...”
By the time the stars shone bright, they’d finished preparing the apples. Yushin carried the crates to the village market, where Ishiro—a wiry man with a thick beard—was trying to sell produce while fending off unruly customers.

Yushin stepped in, his presence enough to quiet the crowd. He organized the stall, displayed the apples attractively, and even helped with sales. His efficiency drew in more customers, and the stall sold out before midnight.
As the last of the crates were emptied, the farmers gathered around him, their faces lit with gratitude. The elderly farmer handed Yushin a basket filled with freshly harvested crops: wheat, apples, pumpkins, and even a jar of honey. And of course, the 

“For your hard work” the old man said, bowing slightly.
Yushin nodded, accepting the gift. He turned to leave, but the old man called after him. “You’re welcome here anytime. Folks like you—silent but steady—are rare.” - perhaps the old mand wasn't familiar with Yushin's reputation in the land.

Back in the shadows, Yushin found himself glancing at the basket. The scent of fresh food filled the air, makign Yushin very hungry. For a fleeting moment, as he ate some of the stuff, he allowed himself to wonder: was there more to his life than darkness?

The mission was complete, and the farmers were satisfied. But soon more would be required of Yushin.

The following day, Yushin walked through rows of pumpkins, his sharp eyes scanning for the perfect one. Though his mission roster seldom allowed for leisurely moments, tonight he sought to carve a lantern—an indulgence he hadn’t allowed himself in years, and that he was craving to do after helping the spoiled kid with his Halloween adventure.

His gloved hand brushed against a plump, unblemished pumpkin. Perfect. As he knelt to inspect it closer, the murmurs of a nearby conversation floated to his ears. Instinctively, Yushin stilled, his keen hearing focusing on the voices.

"The scarecrows ain’t workin’, Garo! They’re attacking them like we hung up sacks of grain instead of straw!" an older farmer grumbled, his tone laden with frustration.

"I know, Grandpa, but what can we do? Those crows are smart. They’re targeting the fields like they know we’re vulnerable!" the younger voice replied.

Yushin straightened, his curiosity piqued. Crows behaving unusually? The scarecrows being rendered ineffective? Such strange occurrences often hid darker truths, ones that required skilled intervention. He hefted the pumpkin and walked toward the farmers, his silent steps startling them when he appeared without warning.

The older man clutched his chest. "By the gods! Who—oh, it’s just a traveler."
Yushin tilted his head slightly. "I overheard your problem with the crows. Perhaps I can help."
The younger farmer’s eyes widened. "Help? You’re not from around here, are you? What can you do against those cursed birds?"

Yushin’s lips curved into a faint smirk. "More than you’d think.... for the right price. Tell me what’s going on"

The farmers exchanged glances before explaining. The crows had become unusually bold, ignoring the scarecrows and tearing them apart. They descended in swarms, wrecking the fields and damaging crops beyond what could be salvaged. Though they had tried chasing the birds away with noise and nets, nothing worked.


"We were about to try another scarecrow," the older farmer said, shaking his head, "but it’s hopeless. Those pests have no fear in their hearts anymore."

The younger farmer looked Yushin over. "If you’re serious about helping, you’ll need to dress as a scarecrow and take the fight to them. They’re coming back tonight, no doubt about it."
Yushin crossed his arms. "I assume you want them scared off, not killed?"

The old man nodded "Exactly. But if they won’t leave, do what you must. Just don’t damage the crops while you’re at it, or you’ll only make things worse for us. We will pay you handsomly"

That evenig, Yushin stood in the middle of the pumpkin patch, his appearance altered by a makeshift scarecrow disguise. The farmers had thrown together a tattered coat, a wide-brimmed straw hat, and some dried grass to complete the look. While the garb felt ridiculous, he appreciated its utility—it blended him into the field perfectly.
The moon was high when the first caw echoed through the stillness. Yushin’s sharp eyes scanned the horizon, spotting a dark cloud of crows gathering in the trees. Their glowing red eyes betrayed something unnatural about them. They weren’t ordinary birds—they moved too deliberately, as if guided by a higher intelligence.

He remained motionless, a shadow among shadows, as the crows swarmed down. They landed on nearby scarecrows, tearing at the straw and cloth with their sharp beaks. Yushin waited until a few approached his position, their talons glinting in the moonlight.

When one particularly large crow landed on his shoulder, its beady eyes peering curiously at him, Yushin struck. His hand shot out like lightning, grabbing the bird and hurling it skyward. The others squawked in alarm, wings flapping in a chaotic burst as Yushin leapt into motion.
"Enough games," he muttered, his voice low but commanding. "Time to teach you bird brains some respect."

Yushin moved with precision, spinning and lunging through the field without disturbing the crops. He swatted at the birds with the scarecrow’s straw arms, his movements theatrical enough to mimic a possessed effigy. The crows hesitated, their collective intelligence seemingly unsettled by his erratic, almost supernatural movements.

As the minutes passed, Yushin realized scaring them wouldn’t be enough. These crows weren’t just bold—they were controlled, their persistence too coordinated to be natural. He shifted his aproach, using his ninja tools sparingly to avoid harming the crops. Smoke pellets disoriented the flock, and small flashes of light drove them into disarray.
But the crows regrouped, circling him in an aggressive spiral. Their leader, a massive crow with feathers as dark as midnight, perched on a nearby post and let out a chilling caw. The swarm dove as one.

Yushin gritted his teeth, leaping high into the air to evade their coordinated strike. Mid-flight, he flung a handful of harmless caltrops into their path. The sudden metallic glint scattered the flock again, but the leader remained steadfast, watching him with an almost human cunning.
Back on the ground, Yushin narrowed his eyes at the leader. "You are the source of this madness, aren’t you?"

The crow cawed, flapping its wings menacingly. It darted toward him, talons extended. Yushin sidestepped, grabbed a broken scarecrow post, and used it to redirect the bird’s momentum. The leader hit the ground hard, stunned but uninjured. The remaining crows froze. Yushin knelt over the downed bird, his voice calm but firm. "Your flock has caused enough trouble. Leave now, and I won’t harm you further."

For a moment, the crow stared at him, its eyes flashing with an otherworldly glow. Then, it let out a sharp, commanding cry. The murder of crows rose into the air and scattered into the night, their cries fading into the distance.
When the farmers returned at dawn, they found Yushin standing amidst the undamaged crops, the remnants of scarecrows scattered around him.

"Well, I’ll be," the older farmer said, his face lighting up. "You did it!"
The younger man ran into the field, inspecting every stalk and vine. "Not a single crop ruined. How did you manage that?"
Yushin shrugged, removing the fedora hat. "Precision."

The farmers insisted he stay for breakfast as thanks, serving him freshly baked bread and pumpkin stew. Though Yushin rarely 
indulged in such moments, he allowed himself to enjoy the warmth of their gratitude.

As he left the fields, his scarecrow disguise slung over his shoulder, Yushin glanced at the distant woods where the crows had vanished. Whatever force had driven them to madness, he suspected it wasn’t gone for good.

Despite their defeat, a question gnawed at him: why had they acted with such unnerving intelligence?
His toughts were interrupted by the sound of boots crunching against dry soil. The younger farmer approached, his face troubled but determined. "You’ve been thinking about it too, haven’t you? Those birds were no ordinary pests."

Yushin nodded, his sharp gaze fixed on the woods. "They weren’t just bold. They were organized. Crows don’t naturally act like that unless something—or someone—is guiding them."
The farmer hesitated before continuing. "There’s something you should know. Rumors have been going around about a giant crow that’s been spotted in these parts. People say it’s unnatural, bigger than any bird ought to be, with feathers black as tar and a third eye in its forehead. Those who get too close and look at the third eye… they don’t come back the same. They say it can mess with your mind."

Yushin’s eyes narrowed. "And you didn’t think to mention this earlier?"
The farmer sighed, his hands tightening into fists. "We didn’t think it was real. Just folk tales, you know? But after seeing those birds last night… I think there’s more to it."
The older farmer joined them, his voice grim. "If that beast is behind this, it needs to be dealt with. We’re asking you again for your help, stranger. Seek it out and do what you must. If you can scare it off, fine, but if it puts our livelihoods in danger…" His voice trailed off, but his meaning was clear.
Yushin adjusted his cloak, his expression unreadable. "I’ll handle it. Be ready when I return. I’ll want answers if this crow is more than just a legend. And I'll need twice the money!"

The forest swallowed him whole, its dense vegetation turning the moonlight into faint patches of silver. Yushin moved silently through the underbrush, his steps calculated and deliberate.   An eerie silence blanketed the woods, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves. No chirping of crickets, no calls of night animals—just the stillness of something unnatural.
Hours passed before Yushin found his first clue. A clearing lay ahead, its ground littered with black feathers that shimmered faintly in the dim light. In the center stood a massive tree, its trunk wide enough to house a small cabin. High in its branches rested an enormous nest, a chaotic tangle of sticks, bones, and shimmering objects that glittered like stolen treasures.
Perched at the nest’s edge was the giant crow.
The rumors had not done it justice. The creature was monstrous, its glossy feathers absorbing the light around it. Its beady red eyes glowed faintly, and as it shifted its weight, its talons scraped the bark with a sound like knives on stone. Yushin crouched, observing. The crow wasn’t just a large bird—it exuded an oppressive aura, as if its mere presence bent the natural order around it. And indeed it had the third eye, but it was shut as the bird was apparentely resting.

Yushin’s breath caught when he realized something: the bird was watching him. And out of nowehere, the third eye opnened and Yushin inadvertely looke right into it;
Before he could act, the crow let out an ear-splitting caw. The sound struck Yushin like a physical blow, rattling his senses. His vision blurred, and for a moment, he struggled to remain upright. The world around him seemed to warp, the trees stretching and twisting as if alive.
"So, you’ve come," a voice echoed—not spoken aloud but inside his mind. It was low and resonant, like thunder rolling through a canyon. Yushin’s eyes snapped to the crow. Its beak hadn’t moved, yet the voice continued.
"Another pest, thinking they can challenge me. Tell me, little human, do you believe you can drive me away as easily as my lesser kin?"

Yushin’s grip tightened on his kunai. "You’re the one controlling them. Why? What do you gain from this?"

The crow’s head tilted, an unsettlingly human gesture. "What do I gain? Amusement. Power. Some delicious pumpkins... I got no love for these fields or the humans who tend them. Their crops and scarecrows are merely toys for my flock."
Yushin’s voice was sharp. "You’ve gone beyond mischief. Your actions are hurting the farmers, ad they are paying well enough to buy their protection. Stand down, or I’ll make you."

The crow’s laughter rang in his mind, cold and mocking. "Foolish. Do you think your blades and tricks will work against me? Come, then. Show me the strength of your resolve."
The crow’s wings spread wide, blotting out the clearing’s faint light as it took flight. A hurricane of wind followed, leaves and debris flying through the air. Yushin leapt back, evading a swipe of the crow’s massive talons that tore into the ground where he’d stood.

Rolling to his feet, he hurled a smoke pellet to obscure himself, darting into the shadows of the twisted trees. The crow circled overhead, its keen third eye scanning the darkness. Yushin didn’t waste time. Using the trees for cover, he ascended quickly, his silent movements bringing him closer to the nest.
The crow’s caw pierced the air again, disorienting him mid-climb. His footing slipped, but he caught a branch just in time. He shook his head to clear the fog clouding his mind. The bird’s cry wasn’t just noise—it was an attack on his mind.

But Yushin couldn't be defeated. Not by a bird. Timing the creature’s next pass, he hurled a kunai right at the bird's third eye. A blinding light burst forth as it got hit right in the center, and the crow let out an enraged shriek, its flight faltering. Yushin seized the opportunity, leaping from the tree and landing on the edge of the nest.
The crow recovered quickly, wheeling around and diving toward him. But now he lost his most powerful weapon. Yushin’s hands flew to his weapons, but he hesitated. Killing the beast wouldn't be easy in face to face combat, so he should try a different approach first.
As the crow bore down on him, Yushin stood his ground. "Enough! If you’re as intelligent as you seem, then you know continuing this fight is pointless. I came to bargain, not to destroy."

The bird halted mid-dive, its wings beating furiously to keep it aloft. Its glowing eyes narrowed. "You want to negotiate? What could ahuman offer me?"

Yushin gestured to the nest. "Your power lies in fear and chaos. You’ve proven your strength. Leave the farmers and their fields alone, and I’ll ensure your reputation spreads. Let others fear the tales of the great crow of Hotsprings. But if you persist, I’ll end you here and now."

The crow’s head tilted again, considering his words. The oppressive aura seemed to lighten slightly. "You speak with conviction, little human. And yet, why should I trust your promise? Words are as fleeting as the wind."
Yushin’s voice was steady. "I’m not like those who cower before you. I’ve faced shadows far darker than you. Keep your flock away, and you’ll have your legend. Just as I will have mine..."

For a long moment, the clearing was silent except for the sound of the crow’s wings. Finally, it let out a low caw, almost contemplative. "Very well, ninja. I will accept your terms… for now. Should your kind betray me, I will return, and the wrath of the skies will descend upon you."

With that, the massive bird turned its back to the criminal, ready to take flight. That was his final mistake. Rat →  Ram →  Snake →  Tiger →  Bird  →  Ox  → Dragon. Upon completing the handseals, Yushin activated his Singularity jutsu, creating a gravitational field that pinned the bird against the ground with the sheer gravitational power of the technique. As the bird cawed in pain, Yushin was ready to finish it off: Tiger - Horse - Rat - Rabbit - Dog, with this handseals he activated his chakra scalpel senbon jutsu, firing a multitude of chakra senbons at the giant bird, impaling it with millions of needles, rapidly but painfully killing the creature.

Yushin returned to the farm at dawn, the weight of the night’s events lingering in his mind. The farmers met him eagerly, their expressions a mixture of hope and fear.

"What happened out there?" the younger man asked.

Yushin folded his arms. "The rumors were true. The crow was no ordinary creature—it’s intelligent, more so than most humans. I’ve convinced it to leave you and your fields alone. For now."
The older farmer frowned. "‘For now?’ What’s stopping it from coming back?"
Yushin’s gaze was sharp. "The promise of a legend. And the fear of death... I’ve spread your problem across the land. The beast will find its power in stories rather than destruction. But if it returns, you’ll need to be ready.... with even more ryo, otherwise I won't be able to help you..."
The farmers exchanged uneasy glances before nodding. "You’ve done more than enough, stranger, you'll have your money" the old man said, handing Yushin a bag with ryo inside. Yushin kept the part where he murdered the bird a secret, as he was hopeful to extract even more ryo from the farmers just using the fear they had as a tool to coherce them into paying. He was pretty confident they would pay Yushin just out of fear of the not so fabled creature

As Yushin departed, the first rays of sunlight breaking through the clouds, he couldn’t help but glance back at the woods. The crow was dead, but something told him this wouldn’t be the last time his path crossed with such a unnatural beast. After all, that was the missing ninja life. One day you are babysitting a spoiled kid, the other you are killing gigantic birds. Anything and nothing could happen all the time. For now, the vicious criminal was satisfied with the ammount of ryo the amassed during the halloween, just by aiding the villagers. But finally the Autumm was almost over, and winter was coming. Where Yushin could go to earn even more ryo during this season? That was something the missing ninja was now considering. Perhaps my time in the Land of Hotsprings is almost over... we will see where life will take me next.... But now, it was time to head back to his improvised hideout and rest as he planned his next moves in order to ascend as a power of the shinobi underworld.

---

[EXIT]

WC: 3500

CLAIMS:

Mission(s) Completion
2x Mission Rewards with Beloved Presence: 17.000 ryo and 84 AP +  35 fall tickets and 1 festival poster.

JUTSU CLAIMS:
1875 words towards Mystical Palm [1875/1875] 25% discount via max stats.
1500 words towards Whistle Trigger [1500/1500] 25% discount via max stats.
The remaining 125 words towards Clan Discovery [1430/2000] - had 1305 words previously trained here